WINSTON-SALEM – Connor Calvert's 50-yard field goal as time expired lifted Wake Forest to a 13-12 victory over SMU on Saturday at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, capping a defensive struggle that featured nine turnovers and persistent offensive frustration for both teams.
The Demon Deacons (5-2, 2-2) squandered two red zone opportunities in the second half but found redemption when their defense forced a punt with 12 seconds remaining. Wake Forest took over at its own 42-yard line and used three quick plays to set up Calvert's game-winner, which came after he had missed a 54-yarder at the end of the first half.
SMU (5-3, 3-1) took its only lead of the game late in the third quarter on a 6-yard touchdown run by Shaadie Clayton-Johnson, but a failed extra point left the Mustangs ahead just 12-10. That two-point margin proved critical when Wake Forest's final drive set up the winning kick.
The game featured relentless defensive pressure and sloppy ball security. Wake Forest fumbled six times, losing three, while SMU coughed it up twice and lost both. The teams combined for three interceptions, with SMU's defense recording two picks and returning them for 27 yards.
Wake Forest's offense managed just 301 total yards but converted on key third downs, finishing 6-of-18. The Demon Deacons held a significant advantage in possession time, controlling the ball for 32:22 compared to SMU's 27:38. That time advantage proved crucial in a low-scoring affair where field position and ball control determined the outcome.
Demond Claiborne carried Wake Forest's rushing attack with 23 carries for 73 yards, absorbing contact and moving the chains on critical downs. The senior running back also fumbled twice but lost only one, continuing to handle the bulk of the workload despite the turnover issues. Ty Clark added 12 yards on four carries, providing a change-of-pace option.
Wake Forest used two quarterbacks in a rotating system that produced mixed results. Deshawn Purdie completed 14 of 26 passes for 183 yards but threw two interceptions. Robby Ashford appeared in short-yardage and scoring situations, going 4-of-10 for 33 yards with one touchdown. The Demon Deacons also attempted one team pass that fell incomplete.
The receiving corps spread the production around. Chris Barnes hauled in five catches for 66 yards, leading all receivers in the game. Sam Berkhalter matched Barnes with five receptions, totaling 58 yards. Eni Falayi caught the game's only touchdown pass from Ashford, a 12-yard connection in the second quarter that put Wake Forest ahead 10-3.
SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings completed 21 of 39 passes for 171 yards and one interception while being sacked once. The Mustangs struggled to establish any rhythm offensively, converting just 4 of 17 third-down attempts. SMU's longest play from scrimmage was a 49-yard completion to RJ Maryland, but the Mustangs failed to turn that big gain into points.
The SMU rushing attack proved equally ineffective. Chris Johnson Jr. led the team with 29 yards on eight carries, while Tyler Harden gained 25 yards on 13 attempts. Clayton-Johnson provided the lone bright spot with his touchdown run, finishing with 12 yards on three carries. The Mustangs averaged just 2.7 yards per carry as a team.
Wake Forest seized the early momentum when Calvert connected on a 25-yard field goal with 4:59 remaining in the first quarter. That drive covered 12 plays and 12 yards after SMU punter Wade McSparron pinned the Demon Deacons deep in their own territory.
SMU responded with its best drive of the game early in the second quarter. The Mustangs marched 52 yards on 12 plays, with Sam Keltner tying the game at 3-3 on a 36-yard field goal. The drive consumed 4:51 and featured a balanced attack that moved SMU from its own 29-yard line into scoring range.
Wake Forest answered immediately when SMU fumbled after the ensuing kickoff. The Mustangs lost possession at their own 14-yard line, and two plays later Ashford found Falayi in the end zone. Calvert's extra point gave Wake Forest a 10-3 advantage with 10:09 left in the second quarter.
SMU cut the deficit to 10-6 before halftime when Keltner converted from 35 yards. The drive covered 69 yards on eight plays, keeping the Mustangs within striking distance. Wake Forest had a chance to extend its lead before the break, but Calvert's 54-yard attempt fell short as the clock expired.
The third quarter belonged to SMU's defense, which forced a Wake Forest turnover and set up the Mustangs' go-ahead score. Starting at Wake Forest's 41-yard line after a turnover on downs, SMU drove 41 yards on six plays. Clayton-Johnson punched it in from 6 yards out, but Keltner's extra point attempt failed, leaving SMU ahead 12-10 with 2:58 remaining in the third quarter.
Wake Forest's defense stiffened in the fourth quarter despite two costly fumbles that gave SMU favorable field position. The Demon Deacons forced a punt with 1:52 remaining but immediately fumbled the ball back to SMU at their own 6-yard line. Wake Forest's defense responded again, forcing another punt with 12 seconds left.
The special teams battle featured solid punting from both teams. McSparron averaged 38.9 yards on nine punts for SMU, including two kicks of 50-plus yards. Wake Forest's C. Joseph averaged 39.9 yards on eight punts and placed five inside the 20-yard line, providing crucial field position advantages throughout the game.
Defensively, SMU's Isaiah Nwokobia led all players with 12 tackles while also recording an interception. Terry Webb registered eight tackles with two sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss, providing consistent pressure on Wake Forest's quarterbacks. Marcellus Barnes Jr. added eight tackles and recovered a fumble.
Wake Forest's defensive effort was led by Nick Andersen, who finished with eight tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Davaughn Patterson recorded seven tackles and forced a fumble while breaking up three passes. The Demon Deacons' defense recorded eight tackles for loss as a team, disrupting SMU's offensive rhythm throughout the afternoon.
The final drive epitomized Wake Forest's ability to respond under pressure after spending much of the game struggling to protect the football. Three plays covered 25 yards and set up Calvert's redemptive kick, which split the uprights as the clock hit zeroes.
Top Performers:
Wake Forest:
- Connor Calvert: 2-of-3 field goals, including game-winner from 50 yards
- Chris Barnes: 5 receptions, 66 yards
- Demond Claiborne: 23 rushes, 73 yards
- Nick Andersen: 8 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss
SMU:
- Isaiah Nwokobia: 12 tackles, 1 interception
- Terry Webb: 8 tackles, 2 sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss
- Kevin Jennings: 21-of-39 passing, 171 yards
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